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"All of us at British Airways could not be more pleased to be coming back to Pakistan," says Robert Williams, the British Airways head of sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East, at a press conference in Islamabad. —AFP

Special Assistant to PM for Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari gestures as he sits along with Robert Williams, British Airways head of Sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East during a press conference in Islamabad. —AFP

British Airways will resume flights to Pakistan from June next year, announced the airline on Tuesday.

"Direct flights from London Heathrow to Islamabad’s new airport to start in June," said British High Commissioner Thomas Drew in a video on Twitter. "A further boost to links between the UK and Pakistan, especially on trade and investment."

According to a press release on the airline's website, the route will launch as a three-per-week service, operated on a three-class Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with return fares starting from £499 [roughly Rs89,000].

'Groundbreaking' announcement

"All of us at British Airways could not be more pleased to be coming back to Pakistan and we very much look forward to June next year, when our first flight will touch down at your spectacular new airport," said Robert Williams, the British Airways head of sales for Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

He was speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfi Bukhari.

"We hope that our new route will allow more people from the United Kingdom to experience what a beautiful country Pakistan is," said Williams.

"British Airways coming back after a decade shows you where we were and how far we've come," Bukhari said, terming the announcement "groundbreaking". "This is a huge achievement for where we [Pakistan] want to be. It's a huge step for this government that it has given foreign investors that security to come back."

He added that this sense of security was "vital" for other various investments to come in.

Bukhari added that the second important point was the "connectivity factor". "British Airways is a prestigious airline," noted Bukhari, who is a dual national of the United Kingdom. "Pakistan is becoming less isolated and becoming more connected to the world — and that's the Pakistan we want to see. We want to see a Pakistan that is heavily connected with the world."

Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, and Industries, Abdul Razzak Dawood, also addressed the media and lauded the airline's decision to fly to Pakistan.

British Airways will resume flights to Pakistan in June 2019, a decade after it suspended operations following bombing on the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad that killed dozens, an official of British Airways said in a statement. —AP

Comments (240) Closed

BA flights resuming after 10 years. IK government’s diplomatic skills at work, once again. The world is willing to work with PTI government

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Vikas

Dec 18, 2018 02:26pm

Congratulations! Now let’s see if the airport stays open for long? I hope they’re not using the aero bridge.

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J Kakakhel

Dec 18, 2018 02:28pm

This is goo development. It will give overseas Pakistanis more options. Keep up the good work PTI government and bring more business to Pakistan.

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israr

Dec 18, 2018 02:28pm

can u actually make this happen? wow this is AMAZINGGGGGGGGG

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Sid

Dec 18, 2018 02:30pm

This is fantastic news and no doubt will be very successful and profitable route for BA.

Hopefully it will mean PIA needs to up its game to stay a player in this market.

Well done PTI for this good news !

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Taj

Dec 18, 2018 02:31pm

Great news. PIA needed a competition to get their act together. Hopefully direct flights from Birmingham will follow soon...

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Shahzad

Dec 18, 2018 02:35pm

Fantastic news . Finally .hope more European airlines follow

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Dec 18, 2018 02:36pm

Great news for the land of six seasons and the 225 million hardworking, brave and intelligent people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Kudos to Zulfi Bukhari for his dedicated and result-oriented work. It's the high time and the right time for other airlines like Lufthansa, Air France, SAS, KLM and AIR ITALIA to follow suit of British Airways and announce resumption of their flights to the "Land of the Pure" on top priority basis.

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citizen

Dec 18, 2018 02:36pm

Hope UK also generously open doors for immigration to the people of this great republic...

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Haroon

Dec 18, 2018 02:37pm

Good step for overseas pakistanis

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Kashmirs_ Pakistan

Dec 18, 2018 02:40pm

Welcome Back British Airways, one of my fav airlines to fly with, Hope other European airlines will follow soon.

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vini

Dec 18, 2018 02:40pm

There is sizeable Pakistani population in UK which uses this route hence profitable. I fail to understand whether PIA has received reciprocal slots. Or again an outsider would be benefited.

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chengez

Dec 18, 2018 02:42pm

Excellent !!!

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Danish

Dec 18, 2018 02:42pm

What about flight to Karachi?

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Kashmiri

Dec 18, 2018 02:44pm

Positive news but still long way to go.

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MA

Dec 18, 2018 02:44pm

Not good news for PIA.

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Khawaja

Dec 18, 2018 02:48pm

A big stride...

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beiging

Dec 18, 2018 02:49pm

Last nails for PIA

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Raza

Dec 18, 2018 02:49pm

Very good news.

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TR

Dec 18, 2018 02:51pm

I hope Singapore Airlines also start their service soon.

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KHALED

Dec 18, 2018 02:53pm

In the long run it would badly effect PIA business, as has happened in the case of open sky policy, where it has lost significant business.

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Adnan

Dec 18, 2018 02:53pm

Wow!!
That's great news....

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Starburst

Dec 18, 2018 02:55pm

Biggest Achievement of IK government so far

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Zora

Dec 18, 2018 02:55pm

Another good news under the PTI government. Mashallah.

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Super Saiyan

Dec 18, 2018 02:58pm

It's just an airline.

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rashid

Dec 18, 2018 02:59pm

Alhamdolillah

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TN

Dec 18, 2018 03:00pm

A good news

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Mohsin Malik

Dec 18, 2018 03:00pm

PIA and other Pakistani airlines are already under trouble and you are giving more business to other countries. How it is a success?. In my view the real success would to improve PIA and Pakistani Airlines to compete with the world class airlines. But the reality is that Shaheen Airlines is now out of business and PIA is under record debt.

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Jalbani Baloch

Dec 18, 2018 03:00pm

Welcome back to Pakistan, which is a land of hospitality, cultural heritage and natural diversity. The resumption of BA will avail the opportunity to tourists to visit this beautiful country to discover and explore more about Pakistan.

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Hassan

Dec 18, 2018 03:00pm

Great news, I hope that flights to Karachi will also start.

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Iftikhar Ali

Dec 18, 2018 03:00pm

Great News for Pakistani origin people in UK

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Khan

Dec 18, 2018 03:02pm

All good news started to come
Pakistan Zindabad

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Ashar

Dec 18, 2018 03:04pm

Finally....some good news from the aviation sector. Plz add Khi to the itinerary soon!

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sy1985

Dec 18, 2018 03:04pm

Good news:-)

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Sunny

Dec 18, 2018 03:06pm

What a fantastic news for UK based Pakistanis. I hope this extends to Birmingham and Manchester too, which has a huge demand for this route.

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Saad Ahmad

Dec 18, 2018 03:06pm

Karachi and Lahore to London?

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RAVEENDRA NATH

Dec 18, 2018 03:09pm

This is CPEC effect. World nations, particularly western nations, realised that they cannot any more ignore Pakistan as the nation is on the verge of a breaking-out on progress, prosperity, peace although doubtful in the near future, once the CPEC is completed and become world No.2 economy.

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Doctor DJ

Dec 18, 2018 03:10pm

Good news, now with this move no one can't stop pakistan becoming superpower.

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Silent Killer

Dec 18, 2018 03:10pm

Good news..

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jamal

Dec 18, 2018 03:12pm

Brexit hit Britain looking for ways to earn some dough.

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SMI

Dec 18, 2018 03:12pm

Excellent !!

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pak

Dec 18, 2018 03:13pm

Superb!! Another gamechanger

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haider shaikh

Dec 18, 2018 03:14pm

This will turn out to be a real take off for pak!

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M.S

Dec 18, 2018 03:15pm

KHI must start as well otherewise BA's Operation will not be feasible!!

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Nair

Dec 18, 2018 03:18pm

That is a commendable achievement for IK.
At last things have started moving in the right direction.

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Mak

Dec 18, 2018 03:21pm

So happy to read great news ! Hope all airlines will return to Pakistan . Looking forward for hear some more good news soon . Keep it up PTI. Well done

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Tariq Sardar

Dec 18, 2018 03:25pm

IK is putting Pakistan back on track. Its good for public confidence and business

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Shah

Dec 18, 2018 03:29pm

This is the benefit of a clean Prime Minister.

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Mansur Ul Haque

Dec 18, 2018 03:30pm

That is something good I have heard after quite some time. There must be something that persuaded British airline to start their operation to Pakistan. Otherwise all the foreign Banks other than Standard Chartered and middle eastern Banks closed their business in Pakistan. Let us hope peace come back to Pakistan. We don't want to interfere in any body affairs . Thank you British airline.

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Joe

Dec 18, 2018 03:32pm

I was not aware that BA does not operate flight to Pakistan.
Welcome.

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Shah

Dec 18, 2018 03:36pm

I said good bye to the security risk airline (not naming any names here) where periodical services are not carried out so all such news are welcome.

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RAja Raman

Dec 18, 2018 03:37pm

Good news for all Pakistani friends in UK. Merry Christmas...

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shamshad

Dec 18, 2018 03:38pm

Why not from Karachi also.Hope Malaysian also resume its service from KARACHI

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Ishtiaq

Dec 18, 2018 03:39pm

Flights should start from Birmingham to Islamabad too

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Mr London

Dec 18, 2018 03:40pm

Please ensure proper security for the people using this service.

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Dr Saima Ahsan

Dec 18, 2018 03:42pm

GREAT ... we want a similar service to Lahore ... please.

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M.Mudassir Siddiqui

Dec 18, 2018 03:44pm

That is Imrran khan! Bravo

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Saeed Tirmizi USA

Dec 18, 2018 03:44pm

Excellent decision, it will further extend from Karachi and Lahore, from London it will pick up passengers for New York and Toronto these are hot routes of present and British Airways are my favorite airlines = Long live this relationship. Please extend to USA and Canada

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Zak

Dec 18, 2018 03:45pm

@Starburst , And more to come.

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Zak

Dec 18, 2018 03:45pm

@Hassan , One by one.

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YRA

Dec 18, 2018 03:50pm

Not a good news for already failing PIA

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Ishtiaq

Dec 18, 2018 03:53pm

Flights from Birmingham to Islamabad should start too.

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Tahir A

Dec 18, 2018 03:54pm

Thanks to the new image of Pakistan under Imran Khan. Bravo.

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Ujla sitara

Dec 18, 2018 03:55pm

It will bring down PIA revenue

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Thussein7@gmail.com

Dec 18, 2018 03:56pm

Fantastic. I fear for PIA

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Waseem Sarwar

Dec 18, 2018 03:59pm

Nice. Sorry PIA but you are going out of business for UK routes if you don't upgrade your service.

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MA

Dec 18, 2018 03:59pm

Not good for PIA.

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Asif Lalani

Dec 18, 2018 04:05pm

Great positive news for Pakistanis. Other airlines will follow soon

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Ishtiaq

Dec 18, 2018 04:06pm

Good news but we want it start from Birmingham too.

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A

Dec 18, 2018 04:08pm

Wonderful. Now I don’t need to rely on boring PIA and Middle Eastern airlines.

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BhaRAT

Dec 18, 2018 04:13pm

They’ll have good business as one million plus Pakistanis lives in England

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Danish

Dec 18, 2018 04:13pm

Very good news after 10 years. BA will be Comming to islamabad. Tough competition with PIA om service

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Pro Democracy

Dec 18, 2018 04:18pm

@Starburst , After resumption of flights Dollar will reduce value to RS. 50 for 1 Dollar, Stock Market will become best in whole world, Pakistan GDP will be more than 10%. There will be canals of honey and milk all over world

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Spicy

Dec 18, 2018 04:19pm

WOW, this requires for a celebration.
Great news.

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nadeem

Dec 18, 2018 04:30pm

pakistan moving in direction

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Rohan

Dec 18, 2018 04:33pm

Congrats Pakistan.

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Pak_UK

Dec 18, 2018 04:33pm

Security situation has gone miles better thank fully.

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Pakistan_ First

Dec 18, 2018 04:45pm

@Vikas, A neighbor who can not see us step towards prosperity, it has been proved from time to time.

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Abbas

Dec 18, 2018 04:47pm

Please add Karachi to your list as well.

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MSR

Dec 18, 2018 04:49pm

@Danish, true we need BA Lufthansa Air France KLM and Swiss air to return back to Karachi

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Aneela

Dec 18, 2018 04:51pm

Thats a very good news, finally after a long wait.... so pleased I am

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arshad javed sandal

Dec 18, 2018 04:56pm

BA returning to Pakistan is a good sign. Although Islamabad new airport is valuable yet BA can consider Privately owned Sialkot International Airport (SIAL) where an exclusive passengers from Sialkot, Mirpur, Gujrat, Lalamusa, Kharian and Jehlum frequently travel to UK and Pakistan.
These area's are the triangular for Business, Trade and Travellers.

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Wahab

Dec 18, 2018 04:58pm

@RAVEENDRA NATH, Dream much?

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Daniyal shah

Dec 18, 2018 04:59pm

Now that BA is coming back to Pakistan, I would request the government to improve PIA up to qatar airways standard maybe by procuring new aeroplanes on lease. The airport adminstration at Islamabad also needs to improve baggage handling capability. On my last trip to Islamabad most of the passengers had to wait at least two hours to get their bags whereas other international aiports have a far more efficient baggage handling system. Imran khan we want professionals with international experience to work at Islamabad international airport so that our airport could appear on the league table of best airports

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Ali

Dec 18, 2018 05:02pm

Brilliant news for us flying to Pakistan directly without the grief experienced on PIA.

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Hopeful

Dec 18, 2018 05:14pm

Great news, and a diplomatic win for current gvt.

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Ashish Kumar

Dec 18, 2018 05:25pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, correction. should be seventeen. Please google. Or go back to classes.

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Syed Hussain Akbari

Dec 18, 2018 05:28pm

It is pity that Karachi has been totally neglected. It should have actually started from Karachi and then expanded to Lahore and Islamabad in that sequence. Still time to think over.

Mississauga ON
Canada

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Syed Hussain Akbari

Dec 18, 2018 05:31pm

@J Kakakhel,
Starting of British Airways to and from Pakistan is actually no credit to the present and recent past government. PTI is only trying to cash the situation.

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jyoti

Dec 18, 2018 05:32pm

This is a very positive development and a significant achievement. Congratulations to all Pakistani friends.

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Reyna

Dec 18, 2018 05:37pm

Wonderful news. I hope they also start service to Lahore and Karachi. The UK to Pak non-stop route has had no competition for far too long.

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Kash

Dec 18, 2018 05:39pm

Tried to book tickets for summer 2019. they had cheap prices, but when i went to book, the prices went sky high.

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xub

Dec 18, 2018 05:39pm

The best news for Western Canadian travellers especially. The journey will reduce to 18 hours compared to 30+

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Khaled

Dec 18, 2018 05:44pm

Don't know why is everyone so happy and excited, not realizing the repercussions to the national Carrier and the country economy. Specially foreign exchange reserves.

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PK085

Dec 18, 2018 05:50pm

BA is returning and ten years ago PIA was operting too. Pak to UK has always been one of the most profitable routes for PIA, so I don't see any threat to PIA though hope to see an improvement.

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F

Dec 18, 2018 05:52pm

Good but it will bring loss to PIA as it was one of most profitable route for PIA

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Gaurav

Dec 18, 2018 05:54pm

Special discount on flight from London to Islamabad and 50% extra charges on the reverse route.

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Aamir Latif

Dec 18, 2018 05:57pm

Good to see BA resume their direct flight after seeing decline by PIA to capitilize this lucrative route.

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Maria enteparia onnuchoriu

Dec 18, 2018 05:57pm

This is a historical event for not just Pakistan, but for the entire world in general.

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Fareed N

Dec 18, 2018 06:02pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, - let us hope other European airlines follow up. It would free us from the dependence on Middle Eastern airlines. More competition better for travelers .

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ARIF UR RAHMAN

Dec 18, 2018 06:04pm

Better management of the airport is required. For example multiple queues for check-in and immigration do not make sense.

The air industry is very compatative and other airlines like Qatar and Emirates are doing businesses in Pakistan. Also, there is a huge British-Pakistani community in UK which would love to use their own British airline.

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Amer Rao

Dec 18, 2018 06:31pm

Welcome To Pakistan

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Syedi

Dec 18, 2018 06:34pm

I am very happy. The prestige of Pakistan is coming back under the leadership of Imran Khan.Keep the accountability for everyone. Long live Pakistan.

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FAR

Dec 18, 2018 06:41pm

Great work Mr. Bukhari!

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Faisal Habib

Dec 18, 2018 06:42pm

Very good news. FYI, BA is now owned by a Spanish company! The in-flight service is not what it used to be because of cost pressures. One has to pay for seat selection and meals, at least on the short haul flights. But they are very efficient!

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Fms2

Dec 18, 2018 06:46pm

@KHALED, I will still prefer PIA if they improve their service. People want to fly other airlines because of bad PIA staff attitude.

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Isaac Khan

Dec 18, 2018 06:47pm

Thank you british airways. I will be your first customer from isb.

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Isaac Khan

Dec 18, 2018 06:47pm

Thank British Airways. I

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Dr. Ali Canada

Dec 18, 2018 06:48pm

Bad news for PIA and ultimately for Pakistan

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Shah

Dec 18, 2018 06:52pm

It all depends on the cost of the flight...

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flying star

Dec 18, 2018 07:07pm

NS just see what a IK gouvernement, this is the beginning of naya PAKISTAN !

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Ali

Dec 18, 2018 07:07pm

The people of Pakistan are happy and welcome resumption of British Airways flights, directly connecting the United Kingdom and Pakistan. After all we share our history and remember BOAC flights to Pakistan. Britain granted independence to Pakistan in 1947.

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Imran

Dec 18, 2018 07:09pm

When a government is genuinely doing its job this is what we can expect.

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nehal

Dec 18, 2018 07:12pm

I thought they were already operating from Islamabad.

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MsQ

Dec 18, 2018 07:17pm

@Mohsin Malik, when airline come to your airports they pay charges gov get benefitted through this money. PIA needs to improve its service to stay in competition. Thanks

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ga

Dec 18, 2018 07:17pm

Well done!!!

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Adi

Dec 18, 2018 07:21pm

Whats the big deal in giving bussiness to BA ! It would have been a good news had they managed to increase PIA flights to UK. This will put more pressure on PIA on UK route !

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gauhar mir

Dec 18, 2018 07:22pm

Very very very good news for Pakistani....Pakistan is moving towards success and right direction

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Jaan Bhittani

Dec 18, 2018 07:25pm

This is NOT so exiting .. come on guys....

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Ali

Dec 18, 2018 07:36pm

GREAT NEWS! This will hopefully give other carriers the confidence to come to Pakistan and we can see a reduction in fares to PK which are always $400- $500 more than flights to India due to competition of carriers flying there.

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Umar Khalid

Dec 18, 2018 07:36pm

Stupid decision. More revenue losses for PIA. UAE Qatar and other arab countries are supporting their airlines despite the fact they are not earning that welll. Simply because it generates inflow of money with job creation for locals.

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Abdul

Dec 18, 2018 07:37pm

I wonder if Biritish Airways can operate flights between Islamabad and Gilgit as well. Reluctant PIA will be relieved..

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Baazigar

Dec 18, 2018 07:51pm

Pakistan is becoming the center of the universe

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citizen

Dec 18, 2018 08:01pm

World realized the attractive business potential of our islamic republic...Many more will follow to capitalize the grand success of CPEC..

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THE MORNING STAR

Dec 18, 2018 08:01pm

So what is the news on PIA.

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Dr. Halaria

Dec 18, 2018 08:02pm

How is this an achievement of the PTI? Funny how failures or lack of achievements in 100 days are termed as too short of a time by PTI fanboys and achievements of past governments are touted as achievements of PTI. Makes no sense.

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Well done

Dec 18, 2018 08:04pm

What level this country has fallen. One direct flight makes nation so happy.

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WayToGo

Dec 18, 2018 08:12pm

Hope the decision remains....

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Skeptic

Dec 18, 2018 08:18pm

Yeah! It takes a foreign airline to resume flight to just one city in the country, to deport hordes of criminals arrested in the UK.

Bring all of them back to Punjab. That's probably the main rational behind this decision.

Why is no other Western nation willing to follow suit, you wonder!??

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Kashif

Dec 18, 2018 08:20pm

yayyyy ...bring it on... we need competition with PIA.

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AW

Dec 18, 2018 08:22pm

Pakistan normalizing under the leadership of Imran Khan - what a wonderful feeling. I missed flying BA to Islamabad which I will be able to do again.

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charlie

Dec 18, 2018 08:30pm

I am one of those people directly impacted by cancellation of this flight 10 years ago, as it would add 8 hours to my travel time to Islamabad and back each way. This would cut down nearly 16 hours of travel time for each trip to Islamabad for me and my family. Thank you IK, Zulfi Bukhari and BA.

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Truth Sayer

Dec 18, 2018 08:35pm

Excellent work by PTI lead Gov

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Shafiq Shah

Dec 18, 2018 08:41pm

This is NAYA PAKISTAN. Thank you IK and his team.

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Skeptic

Dec 18, 2018 08:53pm

@MSR, "true we need BA Lufthansa Air France KLM and Swiss air to return back to Karachi"

Wishful thinking! Never going to happen. Simply because these nations have no nationals of their own traveling in large enough numbers to Pakistan to justify these flights. The reasons to end flights in the first place was strategic one, when the cost of operating flights to Pakistan was not viable. Besides, why would any Pakistan travel on expensive European airlines, when Qatar and Emirates can fly them around the world for half as much?? Competition from gulf carriers is also the reason why PIA has been losing money for decades.

Europeans, as well as 95% of the World does not want to risk landing their planes and crew anywhere in Pakistan, much less in a city which has earned such a poor reputation for safety, law and order and liveability.

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wasim

Dec 18, 2018 08:54pm

A positive indeed. Now what about PIA reclaiming/resuming its New York sector, PIA has also been a prestigious airline for a long time and must be energetically revived to reclaim its glory. Mr. Zulfi, you need to look across Atlantic as well, big business awaits Pakistan out there.

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A Troll From Nowhere

Dec 18, 2018 09:00pm

Good news for Pakistan. Hope many more will follow suit.

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rajeev sharma

Dec 18, 2018 09:00pm

this will cost u 10usd billion annually. i will elaborate in 2020

Recommend0

Harun

Dec 18, 2018 09:09pm

Our Pakistani community in England is very strong and powerful! After we had a Pakistani mayor of London, soon we will have a Pakistani Prime Minister of England

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realist

Dec 18, 2018 09:13pm

@Syed Hussain Akbari, Nothing is neglected. What was broken is being fixed step at a time. Previous govts. were not providing adequate security to these foreign airlines.

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realist

Dec 18, 2018 09:15pm

Well done Zulfi. Your hands are full but ensure the capital airport is fixed before any mishaps happen.

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Asghar a Rizvi

Dec 18, 2018 09:27pm

Welcome back BA back to Pakistan,

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Mobeen Ansari

Dec 18, 2018 09:37pm

@KHALED, Thats true. But PIA had been sleeping for the past 15 years when these airlines were not coming here when it should have taken advantage of this situation.

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IKE Khan

Dec 18, 2018 09:53pm

This is not only good for British Pakistanis but also for Pakistanis living in the US. It is better than struggling in Dubai. Emirate is going to loose some traffic.

BA is not a prestigeous airline, I just took one to Amsterdam and it was not a pleasant experience. It will just collect the regular traffic from other airlines operating on that route. Lets not get impressed so quickly

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Shoaib

Dec 18, 2018 10:16pm

@Vikas, many people are really misguided about pakistan.....those things are in place for over 15 years....but preciously only at 2 airports....now 5 have them....

British Airways is back to fill the gap created by PIA's miserable service being alternatively used by travellers opting through very cumbersome but preferable UAE routes.

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Anas Iqbal

Dec 18, 2018 10:36pm

Great news! Welcome
More options for people

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gurukranti

Dec 18, 2018 10:37pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad,
Plain simple English please

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Awaz....

Dec 18, 2018 10:48pm

Great News!!!

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Khalid Pervez

Dec 18, 2018 10:55pm

Whilst I would perfer to spend my money on our PIA than BA, but it does create a good competitive environment, hopefully resulting in lowering of fairs for the consumer and allowing more Pakistanis from UK to visit Pakistan, thus adding more to the local economy! PIA will now definitely have to reconsider thier over inflated prices!

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Sabz Ali

Dec 18, 2018 11:02pm

Great for overseas Pakistanis. Keep up the good work Imran Khan. Lock up those who took bribes that resulted in the faulty design of bridges and other structure of the ISB airport.

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Javed

Dec 18, 2018 11:18pm

Congratulations. But here is reality check BA is loosing lot of businesses and money because of emigrate and Qatarairways. And these are Desi favorite Air lines. British didn’t give us any favors. So many bombings had occurred all over India and Western Europe or Crimea But not a single flight was canceled by British. Now PIA will loose more businesses from Indians and Pakistan. Did IK government complained to Britain about treatments of Pakistanis at British airports. That was more important then flights. We have our own air line.

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Chirag Patel

Dec 18, 2018 11:29pm

imagine the kind of security measures will be asked in return

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Lahori kid

Dec 18, 2018 11:34pm

Now lets work on the flights to Houston, Dallas, New York and other cities in the US. The country is losing a lot of revenue as people are using other airlines to travel back and forth to Pakistan and abroad. But please make sure PIA has strict high standards, the current performance will not cut it.

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Lahori kid

Dec 18, 2018 11:36pm

Hope the rest of the new airport building don't start sinking and cracking

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Lahori kid

Dec 18, 2018 11:37pm

At least these are positive news, maybe other countries will follow, and hopefully other countries will allow PIA to start their flights,

Recommend0

pakOne

Dec 19, 2018 12:06am

You know things are pretty bad when an european airline decides to have 3 flights a week to pakisatan becomes a cause for national pride and celebration.

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Usdesi

Dec 19, 2018 12:28am

Good start. Next step is getting passengers on these flights.

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khan

Dec 19, 2018 12:45am

Well Done BA. Why no flight from Lahore to London Heathrow.

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RAja Raman

Dec 19, 2018 01:04am

@Maria enteparia onnuchoriu, "This is a historical event for not just Pakistan, but for the entire world in general."

Looks you are over excited... One Airline resuming services to Pakistan is not an achievement. Even Bangladesh has BA services running uninterrupted. No in Bangladesh is celebrating it. Anyhow it is good news, but to call it as achievement is laughable.

Are you expecting these airlines to stand in queue to start the services ? All these will come, when peace returns, if there is good market and if better infrastructure in place.

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Jjacky

Dec 19, 2018 01:09am

@MsQ, that will be recovered by passengers. No airlines gives anything from its pocket.

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Ranjh

Dec 19, 2018 01:14am

Naya Pakistan. Inshallah!

Well done Zulfi!

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Jjacky

Dec 19, 2018 01:15am

@Well done, really, these all news makes them happy. Now operation pf BA is also a game changers. Yes, it will change the game of PIA.

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Gordon D. Walker

Dec 19, 2018 01:29am

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad,

Dear Dr. Salaria: I fully agree with your excellent commentary and global view as a fellow
citizen of the world who is (hopefully) free of parochial mind limiting restrictions.

Gordon D. Walker
Canada

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Asfand Siddiqui

Dec 19, 2018 01:39am

Very good news Indeed. Lets bring Singapore Airlines back as well to Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

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A.M. Khawar

Dec 19, 2018 01:43am

A Welcome Development.

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K MF HAQUE

Dec 19, 2018 01:52am

long live the united kingdom, and best wishes for british airways.i

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Khan

Dec 19, 2018 02:14am

We hope other airlines to follow such as KLM Air France,Lufthansa, Air Canada, Continental, Singapore ect soon.

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Mr. Schadenfreude

Dec 19, 2018 02:26am

Despite more than a MILLION pakistanis in UK, British Airways does NOT fly to pakistan!

In India, British Airways flies to Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai daily -- twice daily to Mumbai and New Delhi.

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Mr. Schadenfreude

Dec 19, 2018 02:29am

Isn't the 'NEW' airport building caving in/collapsing? -- Emirates and other airlines refusing to use the aerobridges? -- the runway having potholes?

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Tariq Sharjeel

Dec 19, 2018 02:44am

PIA is not allowed to fly to London Heathrow and is forced to fly to Manchester instead.

British Airways will thus not compete with PIA -- what will compete with PIA is the "new" islamabad airport, where aerobridges malfunction, buildings are collapsing and taxiways have potholes.

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MG

Dec 19, 2018 02:52am

I think the credit should go to NS govt. Terrorism control is key to win confidence of rest of the world. NS paid a huge ransom for doing right thing. There is nothing that IK did in this regards

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San

Dec 19, 2018 02:55am

Just think. You will pay in rupees BA will convert the profit in dollars and repatriate to uk. Never allow a foreign airline to operate without a reciprocal domestic airline!

Think: IMF is saying increase taxes, cut down expenditure etc but does IMF ever say reduce imports from western countries?? Why? Because the exports of western countries will suffer!! If USA had a near veto I'm IMF then why USA cannot import more Pakistan, that will increase Pakistan's foreign exchange and it can pay IMF easily and America secured its tax payers money! Why USA does not do? Think!

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Tariq Sharjeel

Dec 19, 2018 03:00am

@Harun ,

"Our Pakistani community in England is very strong and powerful"

Is that why British Airways was NOT flying to pakistan for the last 10-Years?!

Even now, British Airways has not started immediately -- they are "planning" to start flying to pakistan in 6-months time.

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Ali

Dec 19, 2018 03:16am

@citizen, what for? Why not stay and build your own country? You depress me ....

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Awaz....

Dec 19, 2018 03:38am

Great News for the British Airways not for PIA or Pakistan...Ask Somalia or Sudan Airlines and they will flying to Pakistan within a week, so whats the big deal. Business goes to British Airlines not Pakistan Airlines.

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Mr. Schadenfreude

Dec 19, 2018 04:20am

@BhaRAT,

"They’ll have good business as one million plus Pakistanis lives in England"

Vast majority of them (65%+) living under the poverty line and on public/social handouts.

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Sharjeel Mirza

Dec 19, 2018 04:32am

@vini,

Majority are from Mirpur, who strongly prefer flying Air India to Delhi and Srinigar, and then drive over.

PIA only flies to Manchester, and Mirpuris prefer flying Indian Airlines than PIA or British Airways.

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Krishnan

Dec 19, 2018 04:33am

@pak, Just a foreign airline landing is a game changer? Goes to show the depth to which you have fallen.

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MA

Dec 19, 2018 04:42am

Please improve national airlines to compete with the world. Don't give all business to the other airlines, get some pie too. Don't make same situation as Hong Kong. PIA HKG Islamabad flights were cut and now more than 10 weekly Thai airways flights are running to Islamabad and Lahore. We seem to be short sighted and just happy on parking fees.

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Starburst

Dec 19, 2018 05:06am

This is bad news for PIA, Now more people switch to BA for better flying

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Daskalos

Dec 19, 2018 05:11am

Good show.

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Imran Bahattar(Toronto)

Dec 19, 2018 05:31am

It's going to be game changer!!!!

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shaukat

Dec 19, 2018 05:46am

A doom's day for PIA, how is this good news for the country when the national carrier is struggling very very hard to bring more people on board now the BA will cut PIA's profitable route, a drastic is waiting soon to be happening to PIA.

Thank you Imran Khan I love you aur. You made every Pakistani life so easy now with resumption of BI to Pakistan. A direct flight what’s more we want. Easy for families with kids and elder people. Thank you PTI. Imran Khan for PM for life.

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saber

Dec 19, 2018 07:27am

Excellent job Zulfi Bukhari ...

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Ash

Dec 19, 2018 07:48am

I do hope other European airlines specially Lufthansa, KLM and Norwegian will consider starting services to both Islamabad and Karachi within 2019.

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Mumtaz Ahmed Shah

Dec 19, 2018 08:04am

Hats off to Imran Khan and Federal Minister of Overseas Mr. Bukhari for their dedicated efforts to resume the British Airways to Pakistan. (Texas)

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Bangash

Dec 19, 2018 08:17am

Great news, even tho I don't fly from UK makes sense for people who reside in UK.

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Dove

Dec 19, 2018 09:26am

They probably saw business now in Pakistan, there is no free lunch in the world!

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Safire Ahmad Siddiqui

Dec 19, 2018 09:43am

It is a Great news.This development is indicative of the fact that the security situation in Pakistan is excellent.Furthermore,I will be frugal with the truth if I do not confess that this the best gift to the people of Pakistan by the Government of Naya Pakistan.Soon Lufthansa,Singapore and other airlines will touch down in Pakistan.Pakistan is a country worth exploring.Our northern areas is a Paradise on Earth.Shelley had said”if winter comes can spring be far behind”

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Satya Jeet

Dec 19, 2018 09:54am

More bad news for PIA :(

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karman

Dec 19, 2018 10:17am

It is good that BA is resuming flights operation, But why not PIA got benefits from this route , if the BA starts its operation in full capacity PIA will further loose its business.

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Khaled

Dec 19, 2018 10:18am

@Mobeen Ansari, why blame PIA for the follies of our politicians,who had their own vested interest.

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Chris Roberts

Dec 19, 2018 10:31am

Not just British Pakistanis, but many British people are interested in discovering Pakistan, the land where their parents, grandparents, etc. were born and/or spent so many years of their lives, and would love to visit the places they have heard so much about. Pakistan is also the final resting place of a good number of English people. This move by British Airways may help to make visiting Pakistan more enticing.

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khan

Dec 19, 2018 10:37am

good news for pakistani best of luck

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Ali Sabir

Dec 19, 2018 10:53am

PIA has left a gap that British Airways wants to fill.

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sourav ghosh

Dec 19, 2018 12:10pm

Actually celebrating coming of an airline???? What is going on??? An airline will fly everywhere, they are a business entity , there to make money only

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SYED BAQAR AHSAN

Dec 19, 2018 12:11pm

The purpose of stopping was to create bad image of Pakistan which they could not however welcome BA.

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RAVEENDRA NATH

Dec 19, 2018 12:24pm

@Pro Democracy-@Starburst , After resumption of flights Dollar will reduce value to RS. 50 for 1 Dollar, Stock Market will become best in whole world, Pakistan GDP will be more than 10%. There will be canals of honey and milk all over world"
Sir, kindly do not be so sarcastic. US is USD 15 trillion, China 5 trillion, Japan 4 trillion, UK 3.5 trillion, India 3 trillion and Pakistan is PKR 22.75 trillion economy. Once CPEC is completed China would become World No.1 followed by Pak as world No.2 economy. The land pure would become land flowing milk and honey. The strong, young and intelligent Pakistanis will work hard in tandem with Chinese and if this happens all dreams will come true. When you dream, you must dream big.

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Anonymouseeeee

Dec 19, 2018 12:40pm

Awesome news.
Thank you British Airways.

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Anonymouseeeee

Dec 19, 2018 12:41pm

@Vikas, why are you Indians so obsessed with Pakistan.

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Truth

Dec 19, 2018 12:58pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, we're are the hard working what we know is Pakistani ppl are the biggest benefit claimants in Europe with the lowest education levels.

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Truth

Dec 19, 2018 01:00pm

@RAVEENDRA NATH, are under real?

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Rohtas1

Dec 19, 2018 01:02pm

@Well done, so true

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Gypsy

Dec 19, 2018 01:25pm

With 220million strong population, Pakistan is an attractive market for any Airlines.
As security is improved, and the new government is working to improve the image of the country,
many more airlines will follow British Airways inshallah.

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Jibran Raza

Dec 19, 2018 01:47pm

PTI Govt. has nothing to do with that. BA already struggling to generate revenue to meet target.
No wonder they want to resume flights to ISB where they will have potential travelers.

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Photon

Dec 19, 2018 01:54pm

This is really a sweet news. BA is coming back in operation.

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Neo

Dec 19, 2018 02:59pm

@Vikas, wouldn't be suprised to see another goat sacrifice.

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Neo

Dec 19, 2018 03:00pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, I will have what you are having.

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Asif Lalani

Dec 19, 2018 03:09pm

This will be win win for both BA and Pakistanis. British Airways will run full flights both ways and same time people will be able to choose airline of their liking. Unfortunately PIA will be the biggest loser.

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Khaled

Dec 19, 2018 03:11pm

@Fms2 , Good, out of all the comments, I found only yours which showed some sense of patriotism towards the national carrier.

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Asif Lalani

Dec 19, 2018 03:12pm

Next in line will be SAS from Oslo. There is very large Pakistani population in Norway. Who doesn't like to make money?

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Amad

Dec 19, 2018 03:55pm

It’s a great progress! An international airline is finally coming back to Pakistan! Proves that Pakistan is a world leader where everyone wants to get in.

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Akhil

Dec 19, 2018 06:42pm

BA coming back is good news for Pakistan, as it seems British once again are seeing business opportunities. Normally British are good in finding such opportunity. It is upto Pakistan to seize the moment and fully focus on economy and not carried away by distraction. Law and order is key, and that needs to be controlled.

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NG

Dec 19, 2018 07:36pm

This is the clear indication that security in Pakistan has improved. I am sure other airlines will follow. Hoping for peaceful and prosperous Pakistan as a neighbour

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DARA KHAN

Dec 19, 2018 07:41pm

Congratulations !!

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Deepak

Dec 19, 2018 10:29pm

Is this the airport with aero bridge problem and caving roofs and pipe leaks?

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Larkanavi

Dec 19, 2018 11:15pm

Undoubtedly, this is a very good news and a vote of confidence by International business in the new government.

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jK

Dec 20, 2018 03:08am

What is the point of early announcement. BA foresees possible business loss in EU sectors after Brexit next year. Incase, matters with EU resolve, BA may take U turn.

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Zulfiqar Bhutta

Dec 20, 2018 06:40am

Why not to Karachi as well? BA would probably get higher traffic volume from the financial capital and it would also eliminate the pain of connecting from BA flights in Dubai to Karachi

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MG

Dec 20, 2018 11:23am

@Anonymouseeeee, Because we love Pakistan

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guest

Dec 20, 2018 01:06pm

Looks like there is not much going on to be happy about. So this is big news.

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Chinpaksaddique

Dec 21, 2018 09:01am

@sourav ghosh, not your business. We have decided to celebrate and party